The biggest draw for me to this is the new AF system. While it certainly smashes everything short of 1D class in their own range, how does it compare with Nikon's "51 point" system?

iFCL is also somewhat interesting. With the either of my current cameras, I find I need to be extra cautious if shooting subjects with colour contrast, such as vivid flowers, as it can be easy to clip a colour channel. If that prevents this from happening so often that'll help too.

The viewfinder grid sounds a bit like a "me too" feature copied from the other side, but I wouldn't say no to it.

The rapid 8fps at least is offset by 150k shutter rating, so maybe I wont burn it out in a year

On high ISO noise, I'm not sure about the ISO1600 one compared to 50D, but certainly at ISO3200 and above, it is much better, as it does not exhibit a banding pattern.

One curious thing though, the press release says kit is with 28-135 IS USM zoom? That sounds like an odd choice for a crop sensor body.

given the current coversion rate I see the stock of 7D in the U.S. dwindling very quickly.....I mean it's 1699$ proposed and in Europe 1999Euro (EURO).... = 2900$ approx who in their right mind would buy one in Europe at those prices..........misprint? real? I dunno...

I have just done a quick exchange rate at http://www.expedia.co.uk and $1699.00 converts to £1044.04p.... whats the betting the .04p gets put up to .99p just so the tight wad at No. 10 (AKA Mr Gordon Brown) can get his hands on another .95p.